{"id":135436,"date":"2026-03-04T20:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=135436"},"modified":"2026-03-04T20:23:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:53:57","slug":"most-advanced-fighter-jet-in-the-world-hits-iranian-jet-for-first-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/04\/most-advanced-fighter-jet-in-the-world-hits-iranian-jet-for-first-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World Hits Iranian Jet for First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TEL AVIV-<\/strong> An Israeli Air Force stealth fighter, the F-35I Adir<\/a><\/strong>, shot down an Iranian Yakovlev Yak-130<\/strong> aircraft over Tehran (IKA)<\/strong> during ongoing strikes linked to Operation Epic Fury. The aircraft involved included the F-35I Adir<\/strong> operated by Israel and the Yak-130<\/strong> used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The engagement marks the first time in history that an F-35 stealth fighter has destroyed a manned aircraft in air-to-air combat<\/strong>, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The incident occurred as Israel expanded aerial strikes across Iran five days into the military campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Most
Photo: By US Air Force \/ Ministerie van Defensie – bron: Ministerie van Defensie, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=35205521<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Historic First Air-to-Air Victory for the F-35<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that an Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir stealth fighter<\/strong> intercepted and destroyed an Iranian Yak-130 jet<\/strong> during a combat engagement over Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military officials described the event as a historic milestone for the F-35 platform<\/strong>, which had previously only destroyed unmanned aerial vehicles and drones<\/strong> in combat situations. The Israeli-modified F-35 variant, known as Adir,<\/strong> which means Mighty One in Hebrew, is based on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II<\/strong> but includes Israeli avionics and electronic warfare systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The downed Yak-130<\/strong>, a Russian-designed advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force<\/a><\/strong> and is capable of carrying air-to-air missiles such as the R-73<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli officials confirmed the interception occurred during broader Israeli strikes targeting military infrastructure across the Iranian capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
Photo: Julian Herzog | Wikimedia Commons\nhttps:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:RAF_Lockheed_Martin_F-35A_Lightning_II_ZM163_Royal_International_Air_Tattoo_2024_01.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Israeli Air Campaign Expands Under Operation Epic Fury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The shootdown took place during large-scale Israeli and United States operations against Iranian military targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli forces reported that command centers belonging to Iranian security forces<\/strong> were struck overnight in Tehran and several other cities. Some of the targets were associated with the Basij paramilitary organization<\/strong>, which operates under Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dozens of munitions were reportedly used in the strikes, producing large explosions and fires in parts of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the campaign is expected to continue for several weeks<\/strong>, though ground forces are not currently planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First Manned Air Combat Kill by Israel in Four Decades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The incident also marks the first confirmed Israeli air-to-air shootdown of a manned aircraft in more than 40 years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last recorded event occurred on November 24, 1985<\/strong>, when an Israeli F-15 fighter<\/strong> shot down two Syrian MiG-23 aircraft<\/strong> during fighting connected to the conflict in Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest engagement highlights the operational capability of the F-35I Adir<\/strong>, which Israel considers a central component of its long-range strike and air superiority strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
Photo: Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wider Regional Escalation and Military Deployments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The air engagement comes amid escalating military activity across the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A suspected Iranian drone strike hit the US Embassy compound in Riyadh (RUH)<\/strong> earlier in the week, causing structural damage but no reported injuries. Embassy personnel were instructed to shelter in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another drone attack targeted the US Consulate in Dubai (DXB)<\/a><\/strong>, igniting a fire in a nearby parking area. Local authorities confirmed that the blaze was contained and no casualties were reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the United States has deployed more than 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and additional bombers<\/strong> as part of Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper described the buildup as the largest US military deployment in the Middle East in a generation<\/strong>, aimed at weakening Iran\u2019s ability to threaten American forces and regional allies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
US Military Equipment Losses Near $2 Billion After Four Days of Iran Strikes<\/a><\/blockquote>